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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in South Melbourne

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21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Teatro Gastronomia restaurant
1. Teatro Gastronomia
4.4
Awesome(1039)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Southbank
Booked 25 times today
Teatro Gastronomia, located on the vibrant Southbank Promenade in Melbourne, offers a truly authentic Bistro experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Italy. Celebrated for its "phenomenal food" and "amazing service," Teatro stands out as a culinary theater where each dish performs spectacularly. From traditional wood-fired pizzas to exquisite pasta dishes, the menu showcases a fresh, seasonal produce-driven approach, constantly evolving yet consistently delightful. Diners rave about the "perfectly cooked" lamb ragu and the homemade lasagna, which are just a few highlights of the diverse offerings. With its stunning views of the Yarra River and a lively atmosphere, Teatro Gastronomia is a must-visit for anyone craving an exceptional Bistro dining experience.
A photo of Cecconi's Flinders Lane restaurant
2. Cecconi's Flinders Lane
4.8
Exceptional(1188)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 5 times today
Cecconi's Flinders Lane is a gem nestled in Melbourne's CBD, celebrated for elevating Contemporary Italian cuisine. Awarded consistently from 2006 to 2023 with One Hat by THE AGE GOOD FOOD GUIDE, the restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere where every detail contributes to a memorable dining experience. Diners rave about the "fabulous food" and "outstanding friendly service," highlighting dishes like Seafood Linguine and Veal Cotoletta. The expansive drink list complements the refined menu perfectly. A patron sums it up: "This restaurant always delivers a high-quality meal and service...the eye fillet was one of the best steaks I’ve had this year." Whether for a special occasion or a delightful meal, Cecconi's promises an unrivaled dining encounter in the heart of Melbourne.
A photo of DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda restaurant
3. DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda
4.5
Awesome(100)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • St Kilda
Booked 37 times today
DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar in St Kilda is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering a refreshing take on classic Italian flavors with a modern twist. Nestled by Port Phillip Bay, this restaurant not only promises enchanting seaside views but also delivers an authentic Italian dining experience. Patrons rave about the "absolutely delicious" Campanelle with duck ragu and the "outstanding" porcini pizza, highlighting DOC's commitment to quality and authenticity. The glowing reviews consistently praise the "warm welcoming" atmosphere and "excellent service," making it clear why DOC is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Italy in the heart of St Kilda.
A photo of Cecconi's Toorak restaurant
4. Cecconi's Toorak
4.6
Exceptional(140)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Toorak
Booked 3 times today
Cecconi's Toorak in the charming neighborhood of Toorak Village stands out as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering an exceptional dining experience that combines modern flair with authentic Italian tastes. It's not just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that invites diners to indulge in dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in Italian tradition. Guests rave about their experiences, highlighting the "excellent service" and "delicious food" that make every visit memorable. The ambiance is described as "warm and inviting," perfect for everything from casual dinners to special occasions. The menu, featuring items like the praised truffle linguine and freshly shucked oysters, showcases a sophisticated interpretation of classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Cecconi's Toorak is highly recommended for anyone looking to savor the essence of Italy right in the heart of Toorak.
A photo of Luci restaurant
5. Luci
4.4
Awesome(206)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD
Luci is a contemporary Australian restaurant set in the grand hall of Melbourne’s historic Equity Chambers building.Its art deco styled dining room – designed by Bates Smart – provides a sophisticated backdrop to a contemporary Australian menu with Italian accents.Celebrating Melbourne’s history of Italian immigrants and its evolution into a cosmopolitan culinary city, Luci is a contemporary Australian restaurant housed within the grand hall of the historic Equity Chambers Building.
A photo of Geppetto Trattoria restaurant
6. Geppetto Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(101)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • East Melbourne
Nestled in the vibrant East Melbourne neighborhood, Geppetto Trattoria is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering a culinary experience that combines tradition with modern flair. Established in 1981 and cherished by locals and visitors alike, this family-run gem stands out for its "authentic Italian food, with the most amazing service," as praised by numerous patrons. The restaurant's commitment to quality shines through its beloved dishes like the Osso Buco and Spaghetti Pescatora, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and a touch of home-style love. Reviewers consistently celebrate Geppetto Trattoria for its "excellent meal" experiences and "outstanding service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine slice of Italy in Melbourne.
A photo of Freddy's Pizza restaurant
7. Freddy's Pizza
4.6
Exceptional(258)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Windsor
Booked 8 times today
Freddy's Pizza in the heart of Windsor is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, beloved for its wood-fired pizzas that keep locals coming back for more. Praised as “probably the best pizza I’ve had in my life” and described as “out of this world,” Freddy’s effortlessly blends a cozy atmosphere with culinary excellence. Diners rave about both the quality of the food and the impeccable service, highlighting dishes like the Straciabella pizza and hand-tossed Margherita. With its vibrant courtyard and upbeat vibes, Freddy’s not only promises delicious meals but also an unforgettable dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic, contemporary Italian delights in Melbourne.
A photo of D.O.C Osteria Carlton restaurant
8. D.O.C Osteria Carlton
4.8
Exceptional(23)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Carlton
Booked 22 times today
D.O.C is real Italian eating and age old simplicity refreshed with contemporary flair. A celebration of heritage. A joy in sharing. Authentic, exuberant and outrageously Italian.
A photo of Funghi E Tartufo restaurant
9. Funghi E Tartufo
4.4
Awesome(83)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 30 times today
Funghi E Tartufo in Melbourne CBD offers a groundbreaking approach to Italian cuisine, brilliantly incorporating vegan and plant-based dishes that even non-vegans rave about. Chef Alessandra D'Angelo, with her roots in Sicily, has masterfully crafted a menu where traditional Italian flavors meet modern, sustainable practices. Diners consistently praise the authenticity and innovation, noting dishes like the "mind-blowing" Pappardelle Funghi e Tartufo and "incredible" vegan calamari. Set in a picturesque 19th-century warehouse, this restaurant not only delivers exceptional food but also a charming ambiance. As one reviewer puts it, it's a place where "meat eaters don't fear. You'll enjoy it."
A photo of Zia Rina's Cucina restaurant
10. Zia Rina's Cucina
4.8
Exceptional(220)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Armadale
Booked 3 times today
Zia Rina's Cucina, nestled in the vibrant heart of Armadale, offers a uniquely modern take on traditional Italian cuisine. This charming trattoria, celebrated for its "creative menu and really high-level food" as praised by a delighted patron, focuses on the authenticity and quality of its offerings. With ingredients freshly sourced from local markets and farms, Zia Rina's crafts its dishes with soulful integrity, presenting a rotating $75 set menu that captures the essence of the season. Guests consistently laud the restaurant for its "fantastic service" and "intimate and relaxing" ambiance, making it not just a meal but an unforgettable experience. As one reviewer puts it, it's "hands down one of the best meals I’ve had in Melbourne." Whether you're savoring the heavenly pasta or the beautifully paired Italian wine, Zia Rina's ensures a contemporary Italian culinary adventure that's both delightful and authentic.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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